Oil falls on weak Chinese data, OPEC supply rise

Oil prices fell in Asian trade today, weighed down by disappointing Chinese trade data and an increase in crude production by the OPEC cartel, analysts said.

New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate crude for delivery in June, was down 94 cents to USD 96.14 per barrel while Brent North Sea crude for June shed 81 cents to USD 111.92 in morning trade.

"Weaker-than-expected Chinese trade data, higher OPEC production and evidence of a strengthening US jobs market muddied the oil demand outlook," said Phillip Futures in a market commentary.

Official customs data released Thursday showed imports in China -- the world's top energy consumer -- edged up just 0.3 per cent year on year to USD 144.83 billion in April, raising questions about the government's ability to boost domestic demand.

China's exports to the debt-hit European Union grew a mere 0.3 per cent from January to April, reflecting recent indications of a contraction in manufacturing activity.

An increase in oil production by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) also pressured prices, analysts said.

In its latest report, the 12-nation cartel said it pumped 31.62 million bpd (barrels per day) in April, up 0.32 million bpd from March, with Iraq, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Angola hiking production in a bid to stabilise prices.

Markets also remain shaken by worries about the eurozone after elections in Greece and France highlighted public rejection of austerity measures aimed at dealing with the eurozone debt crisis.